Hammock for Lounging?
 

When we were on our last tour we were envious of folks in Yosemite Camp 4 who had a hammock for lounging around during the day. We wanted to nap and it was super hot in the tent. It got me to thinking whether it might be worth carrying an ultralight hammock on at least some trips.

I am not sure I am really serious about taking one. The thing is I really don't want to add weight to my load, but it looks like some hammocks weigh as little as 7 ounces. At that weight I just might consider carrying one on some trips. If it was any heavier than 7 or 8 ounces or if It meant that I couldn't keep my gear load below 30 pounds including panniers I would probably rule it out.

Has anyone carried an ultralight hammock for lounging as opposed to one for sleeping in? If so which one and how did it work out.

I've taken my ultra-light hammock along on some backpacking and bike touring trips. Mine weights about 11 oz (Byer® Parachute Traveller), so not as light as what you're looking for, but I find the comfort in camp well worth it. Sometimes I think I should leave the small camp chair at home and just take the hammock. Makes for nice lounging in the afternoon/evening I've also used the hammock instead of bringing the tent for quick overnight trips. Just the hammock, a lightweight foam pad, a 1 lb sleeping bag, and a change of clothes for evening. It all takes very little space. My total weight touring is generally under 30 lbs, so I think you can bring along some "nice to haves" and still keep the weight down. As you know, it's all about trade-offs.

There is no way you'd notice 8 ounces added to your kit.

The question is how many creature comforts you want to carry, and their collective weight. E.g. "8 ounces here and there" can add up.

Another question is if you can improvise something you already use for a similar or same task. E.g. you may be able to just clear some ground and lie down on your sleeping pad.

And of course, you can always send things home, if it's a longer tour and you don't use it.

yeah! I always have a mini "survival" hammock for midday napping and campsite lounging. Rolls up into a little ball and weighs hardly anything. Not recommended for a whole night's sleep unless you're really in a pinch.

I use 9 feet of 4mm climbing rope on both ends as the nylon rope which comes with these hammocks is useless. (6 feet would be enough but the extra length is useful round thick trees etc).
In the second picture you can see the cheapo carabiners I put on as well, to take the hammock down quickly without untying the rope... good if you're staying in one place for a while.

"round-turn-two-half-hitches" knots work well. Attachment 160899

Attachment 160892 Attachment 160893

here's one for $15: http://www.campingworld.co.uk/Models.aspx?ModelID=3743

Attachment 160898

I carry a small light-weight nylon net hammock. A little smaller than a softball. I've carried it since I started backpacking, years ago. It's a handy item.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/...5f712cc6_o.jpg

I carry a small 4' x 5' piece of rip stop nylon to sit on and general purpose use around camp. I've had a few naps on tours just pulling over throwing it down on some grass in the shade and using a jacket as a pillow. Very useful and requires no setup.

When not on tour I use it to stand on when changing into and out of my wetsuit, cover a picnic table, etc...

Just take a camping hammock to either sleep in at night or nap, lounge rest, etc. hennesseyhammocks.com

http://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/

You would love this.

make yourself a Speer type hammock, takes about 15 minutes and better than any tent, ever!

I use a tarp over it on rainy nights, love it!

The tarp and hammock weigh much less than the tent and I have used it from early spring to late fall.

speerhammocks.com

the kids love lounging in them, sometimes here at home they hang them and just lounge.

Robi

Me too... just wish they had better colors on the Doublenest with insect shield... I keep waiting....

Mike

Any of the cheap, light "pocket" hammocks out there just rock having to lay around in. Many don't last very long but can be got cheap and don't weigh much.

Altrec Sale ends Monday using coupon code SUMJULYS
 

Altrec.com is having an incredible 25% of sale on a whole slew of stuff including hammocks and other items already discounted. Free shipping with order of $45, but not all items have the additional 25% off.

For about $15 each, I ordered a couple of these hammocks, with excellent reviews, for car camping and maybe as a gift or touring later, but unfortunately, you don't get to choose the color. Check out their other hammocks too, but this was one of lightest.

http://www.altrec.com/byer-of-maine/...veller-hammock

-Lance